Police remove 50 deer from Sioux Falls city limits as part of management plan

The Sioux Falls Police Department has wrapped up its deer removal operation for the year.

As part of the Deer Management plan, the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks issued 50 deer tags to the police department to cut down the population in city limits.

Officials said removing deer helps manage the health and well-being of the deer population and reduces vehicle collisions.

"We have noticed a decline in the number of car-deer accidents on the interstate systems where we have been working, so we believe this is paying off for us, and it's working for the city," Animal Control supervisor Julie DeJong said.

Through this program, more than 1,500 pounds of deer meat has been donated to local food pantries.